Final answer:
Federal statutes are broadly applicable laws passed by Congress, addressing various aspects of society including criminal procedures. Such laws cannot retroactively criminalize actions or declare guilt without trial. Congress.gov is a key resource for researching federal legislation and understanding the legal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federal statutes are laws enacted by Congress and, occasionally, signed by the President, which are also known as public laws. These public laws are distinct from private laws in that they have a broad application, impacting society as a whole rather than specifically named individuals. Furthermore, federal statutes may cover a range of issues, including criminal procedure, funding, and sentencing. It is important to note that both Congress and the states are restricted from passing certain types of laws, such as those that declare a person or group guilty without a fair trial (bills of attainder), laws that criminalize actions retroactively (ex post facto laws), or laws that disrupt legal contracts.
Cases relating to federal statutes can ultimately be heard in either state or federal courts, depending on whether they pertain to violations of federal law or the U.S. Constitution. This includes both criminal and civil violations, such as drug trafficking or employment discrimination. For those looking to research or reference federal legislation, the Congress.gov website is a valuable resource, offering access to a wide range of legal information and federal legislative materials, past and present.